QUICK PICKS: Learnin’ the java jive
Note: Quick Picks represents the writer’s opinion of what the best coffee shops are in Logan.
There are very few choices for a good coffee shop experience, and a good cup of cappuccino is even harder to locate in a pinch. But this was my quest and I narrowed the field to the following four stores. I wanted to get a single-shot caramel cappuccino at each, read on for the results of my quest.
4. 7-Eleven, 405 N. Main St. 99 cents. Though this is not a coffee shop in nature, they do sell cappuccino along with a selection of other coffees. But, their cappuccino comes right out of a machine that also dispenses hot chocolate. This is never a good sign for a true lover of the roasted beverage. It will do in a pinch, but that is about it. 1/2 cups
3. Ibis Cart, Taggart Student Center basement $1.75 I have to admit I spend a lot of time at the Ibis Cart, but that does not make this my top choice. It is convenient, but it does not have the flare and quality of the downtown location. The cappuccino was strong and not very sweet. The caramel was not noticeable, and I missed that. But the quality of the roast is a plus. A drawback for the cart is location: You just can’t get the feel of a coffee house. There is too much noise and commotion to have a real relaxing moment. 2 cups
2. European Connection, 505 E. 1400 North $2.69 The atmosphere here is coffee house with a twist of Europe thrown in. But it has too much light and not enough “cozy” to really appeal to the vast audience. Their cappuccino was weak. For those who want the taste of coffee but not too much, this is the store for you. The caramel was also very weak. The cost was a bit of a drawback. For the caramel flavor it was an additional 25 cents. Overall, this is not a bad choice of a place to hang out. 2 1/2 cups
1. Caffe Ibis, 52 Federal Ave. $2.17 After 25 years of serving coffee, Ibis seems to have gotten it right. They roast their own beans and offer an extensive collection of flavors and blends to satisfy every palate. Their cappuccino was far above the others. The right amount of coffee, the perfect splash of milk and an ample dash of caramel that made this the star of the morning. The shop has a Starbuckeque feel to it which is nice for the coffee-house crowd. There is an energy and buzz that just can’t be found elsewhere in Logan. This is my choice for the java craving. 4 cups